COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus Clippers fans are being encouraged to bring more than victory bells with them to Huntington Park for upcoming home games. Columbus’ minor league baseball team announced Wednesday that masks will be required for all fans within indoor settings of the ballpark. 

That means if you plan on using the restroom or elevator, a face covering will be required. The Clippers said that the decision was made following guidance from the Columbus Department of Health. 

The new mask requirements go into effect for Thursday’s home game.

While the team is requiring masks to be worn by everyone regardless of vaccination status in indoor settings, only those who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be required to wear a face covering in open-air areas, like the seating bowl and concourse. 

After starting the season at limited capacity due to COVID-19, Huntington Park has been fully open since June 15. Before Wednesday's announcement, the team did not require masks within Huntington Park. 

A recent surge of cases coupled with updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance has prompted a number of businesses to rethink their masking policies. Two weeks ago, the CDC updated its guidance by recommending that those who have been fully vaccinated resume wearing masks in crowded or indoor settings in areas with high or substantial COVID-19 spread. As of Wednesday, 91% of U.S. counties had high or substantial spread of COVID-19, according to the CDC.